This Brooks Revel 8 review is for shoppers who want a decent running shoe at about $100 at full price. It is light at 8.7 oz in the men's, uses upgraded DNA Loft v2 foam and has much better grip than version 7. It is not very energetic or plush, and reviewers say it fits shorter distances best, so it makes a solid first shoe or gym-and-run trainer. Best for: beginners and budget shoppers who want a straightforward daily trainer.
Illustration drawn from the product’s specs — see the brand’s site for real photos and colors.
Brooks Revel 8 Review (2026): Worth $100?
3.5/5
our rating
our rating
$100Full price on Brooks’s site, checked Oct 7, 2026
Best for: Beginners and budget shoppers who want a straightforward daily trainer.
Skip it if: You plan long runs or want a bouncy, high-cushion ride.
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What we like
- Costs about $100 at full price
- Upgraded to DNA Loft v2 foam
- Much better grip than the Revel 7
- Light feel and flexible design
- Good beginner pick per reviewers
Watch out for
- Foam is not very energetic
- Not ideal for forefoot strikers
- Best for shorter distances
On this page
Fit and sizing
RunRepeat's owner votes say the Revel 8 fits slightly small, with a standard overall fit. Brooks offers Normal and Wide widths. Consider trying a half size up and use our running shoe finder to compare other budget options.
Cushioning and ride
Brooks lists a 32 mm heel and 24 mm forefoot stack with an 8 mm drop, one of the lowest stacks in our list. DNA Loft v2 replaced BioMoGo DNA, and lab data shows relatively low energy return. The ride is flexible and straightforward rather than cushioned.
How it performs for beginners and short runs
It suits easy runs, short distances and gym use. Forefoot strikers may find it less suited. RunRepeat's pros list calls it a good beginner pick with solid durability. For longer runs you will likely want more stack, such as the Brooks Ghost 18.
Price and value
At about $100 at full price it is among the cheapest shoes in our guide, and Brooks' 90-day Run Happy trial lowers the risk. See our budget running shoes list.
Alternatives
The Nike Winflo 12 at about $110 is plusher; the Brooks Launch 12 at about $120 is livelier. More on the Brooks brand page.
Who should skip it
Skip the Revel 8 if you run long distances, want lots of cushion, or are a forefoot striker looking for bounce.
Specs
| For | Men & women |
|---|---|
| Sizes | Men's and women's US sizes (full range not captured) |
| Extended fits | Wide widths |
| Weight | 246 g (8.7 oz) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8 mm |
| Heel stack | 32 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 24 mm |
| Cushioning | Balanced |
| Support | Neutral |
| Widths | Regular, Wide |
| Plate | None |
| Midsole foam | DNA Loft v2 |
| Surface | Road |
| Best use | Daily |
| Good for | Running, Everyday wear |
The verdict
A light, affordable, no-frills trainer that is good for beginners and short runs. For long miles or a plush ride, spend more. Skip it if you plan long runs or want a bouncy, high-cushion ride. Ratings here are editorial estimates, not our own testing.
Alternatives to consider
Frequently asked questions
Is the Brooks Revel 8 good for beginners?
Reviewers commonly say yes. It is affordable, light and durable, though best for shorter distances. Specs here come from the brand and independent testers, since we have not tested it ourselves. Check the brand page or a retailer for the latest colors, sizes and price before you order.
Does the Revel 8 run small?
RunRepeat's owner votes say it fits slightly small. Fit is personal, so try it on with your usual socks if you can, and buy from a retailer with an easy return policy. Specs here come from the brand and independent testers, since we have not tested it ourselves.
Is the Revel 8 a stability shoe?
No. It is a neutral shoe. Specs here come from the brand and independent testers, since we have not tested it ourselves. Check the brand page or a retailer for the latest colors, sizes and price before you order. Models are updated often, so make sure you are looking at the current version.
What foam does the Revel 8 use?
DNA Loft v2, which replaced the BioMoGo DNA foam used previously. Specs here come from the brand and independent testers, since we have not tested it ourselves. Check the brand page or a retailer for the latest colors, sizes and price before you order.
Sources and last checked · Oct 7, 2026
Notes: Price $100 per Brooks men's running page (same MSRP as last year per RunRepeat). Weight 8.7 oz / 246 g men's, 7.6 oz / 216 g women's, drop 8 mm, stack 32/24 mm are Brooks' figures as quoted by RunRepeat; lab 244 g, 9.9 mm, 33.2/23.3 mm. Widths Normal and Wide. Sizing slightly small (36 votes). Ratings estimated; we have not tested this shoe.
Specs and prices come from the sources above and change often; ratings are our editorial estimates, not lab tests. Spot something out of date? Tell us.